Nursing Care Plan for Pulmonary Edema

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Outline

Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pulmonary Edema

Lesson Objective for Pulmonary Edema Nursing Care Plan:

Upon completion of this nursing care plan for Pulmonary Edema, nursing students will be able to:

 

  • Provide comprehensive nursing care for patients with pulmonary edema, focusing on understanding its pathophysiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, and management.
  • This plan emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, respiratory support, fluid management, and patient education to improve outcomes and quality of life.

 

Pathophysiology for Pulmonary Edema

Pulmonary edema is a condition characterized by excess fluid in the lungs’ alveoli and interstitial spaces. This fluid accumulation impairs gas exchange, leading to hypoxia. It can result from cardiac dysfunction (cardiogenic pulmonary edema) or non-cardiac causes like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), infections, and trauma.

  • Analogy for Pulmonary Edema
    • Think of your lungs as two sponges that soak up air instead of water. In pulmonary edema, it’s like these sponges are getting filled with water (fluid) instead of air. This happens when there’s a problem with the heart (like a weak pump) or when there’s too much pressure in the blood vessels around the lungs. It’s similar to a garden hose with too much water pressure, causing water to leak out into areas where it shouldn’t be. When the lungs’ sponges fill with fluid, it becomes hard for them to soak up enough air, making it difficult to breathe. Just like a water-logged sponge can’t absorb much more water, fluid-filled lungs can’t take in enough air, which is why people with pulmonary edema often feel short of breath.

 

Etiology for Pulmonary Edema

  • Cardiogenic Causes: 
    • Heart failure, myocardial infarction, or valvular heart disease.
  • Non-Cardiogenic Causes: 
    • ARDS, inhalation injuries, high altitude, infections, or renal failure.

 

Desired Outcomes for Pulmonary Edema

  • Improvement in respiratory function and oxygenation.
  • Reduction in fluid accumulation in the lungs.
  • Patient understanding of disease process, treatment plan, and self-care.
  • Prevention of recurrent episodes and complications.

 

Subjective Data for Pulmonary Edema

  • Reports of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
  • Feeling of suffocating or drowning.
  • History of heart disease or other risk factors for pulmonary edema.
  • Anxiety or fear related to breathing difficulties.

 

Objective Data for Pulmonary Edema

  • Physical findings: Crackles on lung auscultation, tachypnea, cyanosis.
  • Abnormal arterial blood gasses (ABGs) indicating hypoxemia.
  • Chest X-ray showing fluid in the lungs.
  • Echocardiogram or B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels, if cardiogenic pulmonary edema is suspected.

 

Assessment for Pulmonary Edema

  • Continuous monitoring of respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
  • Assess heart function and signs of fluid overload.
  • Evaluate response to interventions (diuretics, oxygen therapy).
  • Monitor for complications such as acute respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias.

 

Nursing Diagnosis for Pulmonary Edema

  • Impaired Gas Exchange related to fluid accumulation in the alveoli.
  • Excess Fluid Volume related to compromised cardiac function or non-cardiac causes.
  • Anxiety related to dyspnea and fear of suffocation.
  • Knowledge Deficit regarding disease process and self-care after discharge.

 

Nursing Interventions and Rationales for Pulmonary Edema

  • Respiratory Support: Provide supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation as ordered.
    • Rationale: To improve oxygenation and relieve hypoxemia.
  • Fluid Management: Administer diuretics as prescribed and monitor fluid balance.
    • Rationale: To reduce fluid overload and pulmonary congestion.
  • Positioning: Elevate the head of the bed to facilitate breathing. 
    • Rationale: To reduce pulmonary venous return and ease breathing.
  • Patient Education: Educate about lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and recognizing early signs of exacerbation. 
    • Rationale: To prevent recurrence and promote self-management.
  • Emotional Support: Provide reassurance and psychological support. 
    • Rationale: To alleviate anxiety and promote coping with the illness.

 

Evaluation for Pulmonary Edema

  • Monitor for improved respiratory function and reduced symptoms of dyspnea.
  • Assess for decreased signs of fluid overload.
  • Evaluate patient’s understanding of their condition and adherence to the treatment plan.
  • Monitor for absence of complications.

 

References:

  • NURSING.com: Offers nursing care plans and resources for pulmonary edema.
  • Mayo Clinic: Provides comprehensive information on symptoms, causes, and treatment of pulmonary edema.
  • NIH.gov: Features current research and clinical guidelines on the management of pulmonary edema.

 

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Example Nursing Diagnosis For Nursing Care Plan for Pulmonary Edema

  • Impaired Gas Exchange related to fluid accumulation in the alveoli.
  • Excess Fluid Volume related to compromised cardiac function or non-cardiac causes.
  • Anxiety related to dyspnea and fear of suffocation.
  • Knowledge Deficit regarding disease process and self-care after discharge.

Nursing Care Plans

Concepts Covered:

  • Basics of NCLEX
  • Test Taking Strategies
  • Central Nervous System Disorders – Brain
  • Lower GI Disorders
  • Pregnancy Risks
  • Labor Complications
  • Immunological Disorders
  • Infectious Respiratory Disorder
  • Respiratory Disorders
  • Respiratory Emergencies
  • Disorders of the Adrenal Gland
  • Substance Abuse Disorders
  • Cognitive Disorders
  • Shock
  • Hematologic Disorders
  • Cardiac Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Vascular Disorders
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Noninfectious Respiratory Disorder
  • Emergency Care of the Cardiac Patient
  • Neurologic and Cognitive Disorders
  • Peripheral Nervous System Disorders
  • Urinary Disorders
  • Oncology Disorders
  • Respiratory System
  • Integumentary Disorders
  • Integumentary Disorders
  • Liver & Gallbladder Disorders
  • Acute & Chronic Renal Disorders
  • EENT Disorders
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Disorders
  • Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
  • Depressive Disorders
  • Disorders of Pancreas
  • Disorders of the Posterior Pituitary Gland
  • Personality Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Renal and Urinary Disorders
  • Male Reproductive Disorders
  • Urinary System
  • Upper GI Disorders
  • EENT Disorders
  • Renal Disorders
  • Disorders of the Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands
  • Hematologic Disorders
  • Disorders of Thermoregulation
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Disease Disorders
  • Postpartum Care
  • Prenatal Concepts
  • Newborn Complications
  • Neurological
  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Central Nervous System Disorders – Spinal Cord
  • Newborn Care
  • Female Reproductive Disorders
  • Trauma-Stress Disorders
  • Postpartum Complications
  • Labor and Delivery
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • Emergency Care of the Neurological Patient
  • Musculoskeletal Trauma
  • Somatoform Disorders
  • Neurological Trauma
  • Neurological Emergencies
  • Psychological Emergencies

Study Plan Lessons

Nursing Care Plans Course Introduction
Purpose of Nursing Care Plans
How to Write a Nursing Care Plan
Using Nursing Care Plans in Clinicals
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) & Interventions for Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Abdominal Pain
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Abortion, Spontaneous Abortion, Miscarriage
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Abruptio Placentae / Placental abruption
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Activity Intolerance
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Acute Bronchitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Acute Kidney Injury
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Acute Pain
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Addison’s Disease (Primary Adrenal Insufficiency)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome / Delirium Tremens
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Alzheimer’s Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Anaphylaxis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Anemia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Angina
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Anxiety
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Aortic Aneurysm
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Appendicitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Arterial Disorders
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Aspiration
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Asthma
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Asthma / Childhood Asthma
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Bell’s Palsy
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Bladder Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Blunt Chest Trauma
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, and Ewing Sarcoma)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Bowel Obstruction
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Brain Tumors
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Breast Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Bronchiolitis / Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Bronchoscopy (Procedure)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Burn Injury (First, Second, Third degree)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cardiogenic Shock
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cardiomyopathy
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Celiac Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cellulitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cervical Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cholecystitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Chorioamnionitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Chronic Kidney Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cleft Lip / Cleft Palate
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Clubfoot
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Congenital Heart Defects
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Constipation / Encopresis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cushing’s Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Cystic Fibrosis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Decreased Cardiac Output
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Dehydration & Fever
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Dementia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Depression
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Diabetes
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Diabetes Insipidus
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Dissociative Disorders
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Dystocia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Ectopic Pregnancy
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Eczema (Infantile or Childhood) / Atopic Dermatitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Emphysema
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Encephalopathy
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Endocarditis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Enuresis / Bedwetting
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Epididymitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Epiglottitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Fluid Volume Deficit
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for GI (Gastrointestinal) Bleed
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Glaucoma
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Glomerulonephritis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Gout / Gouty Arthritis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Guillain-Barre
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Heart Valve Disorders
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hemophilia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hepatitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Herpes Zoster – Shingles
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hydrocephalus
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hyperparathyroidism
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hypertension (HTN)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hyperthermia (Thermoregulation)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hyperthyroidism
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hypoglycemia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hypoparathyroidism
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hypothyroidism
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Hypovolemic Shock
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Impaired Gas Exchange
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Imperforate Anus
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Impetigo
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Incompetent Cervix
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Infection
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Infective Conjunctivitis / Pink Eye
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis / Crohn’s Disease)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Influenza
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Intussusception
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Kidney Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Leukemia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Lung Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Lyme Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s, Non-Hodgkin’s)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Marfan Syndrome
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Mastitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Maternal-Fetal Dyad Using GTPAL
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Meconium Aspiration
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Meniere’s Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Meningitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Migraines
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Mood Disorders (Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Mumps
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Neonatal Jaundice | Hyperbilirubinemia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Nephrotic Syndrome
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Neural Tube Defect, Spina Bifida
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Neutropenia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Newborns
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Nutrition Imbalance
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Omphalocele
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Osteoarthritis (OA), Degenerative Joint Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Osteoporosis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Otitis Media / Acute Otitis Media (AOM)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Ovarian Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pancreatitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Paranoid Disorders
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Parkinson’s Disease
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pediculosis Capitis / Head Lice
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pericarditis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Personality Disorders
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pertussis / Whooping Cough
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Placenta Previa
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pneumonia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pneumothorax/Hemothorax
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) / Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pressure Ulcer / Decubitus Ulcer (Pressure Injury)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Preterm Labor / Premature Labor
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Process of Labor
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Prostate Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Psoriasis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pulmonary Embolism
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Renal Calculi
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Respiratory Failure
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Restrictive Lung Diseases
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Reye’s Syndrome
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Rhabdomyolysis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Rheumatic Fever
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Risk for Fall
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Rubeola – Measles
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Schizophrenia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Scoliosis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Seizures
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Sepsis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Sickle Cell Anemia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Skin cancer – Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Skull Fractures
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Spinal Cord Injury
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Stroke (CVA)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Suicidal Behavior Disorder
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Syncope (Fainting)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Testicular Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Thoracentesis (Procedure)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Thrombocytopenia
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Thrombophlebitis / Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Thyroid Cancer
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Tonsillitis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Transient Tachypnea of Newborn
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Tuberculosis
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Varicella / Chickenpox
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Vomiting / Diarrhea
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for West Nile Virus
Nursing Care Plan for (NCP) Autism Spectrum Disorder
Nursing Care Plan for (NCP) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Nursing Care Plan for (NCP) Trigeminal Neuralgia
Nursing Care Plan for Amputation
Nursing Care Plan for Chlamydia (STI)
Nursing Care Plan for Cirrhosis (Liver)
Nursing Care Plan for Compartment Syndrome
Nursing Care Plan for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Nursing Care Plan for Distributive Shock
Nursing Care Plan for Endometriosis
Nursing Care Plan for Fibromyalgia
Nursing Care Plan for Fractures
Nursing Care Plan for Gastritis
Nursing Care Plan for Gonorrhea (STI)
Nursing Care Plan for Hemorrhoids
Nursing Care Plan for Herpes Simplex (HSV, STI)
Nursing Care Plan for Hiatal Hernia
Nursing Care Plan for Liver Cancer
Nursing Care Plan for Macular Degeneration
Nursing Care Plan for Myocarditis
Nursing Care Plan for Nasal Disorders
Nursing Care Plan for Newborn Reflexes
Nursing Care Plan for Osteomyelitis
Nursing Care Plan for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Nursing Care Plan for Pulmonary Edema
Nursing Care Plan for Restrictive Lung Diseases (Pulmonary Fibrosis, Neuromuscular Disorders)
Nursing Care Plan for Scleroderma
Nursing Care Plan for Syphilis (STI)
Nursing Care Plan for Testicular Torsion